Article,
The entrepreneurship factor in sustainable tourism development
Journal of Cleaner Production, 13 (8): 787-798 (2005/6)
Abstract
Entrepreneurship is considered a central force of economic development,
as it generates growth and serves as a vehicle for innovation and
change. Tourism is one of the economic sectors in which a great degree
of involvement is needed by the entrepreneurial sector: diversification
of tourism products and services is needed to cope with increased
demand for new types of tourism needs. These include opportunities
for more sustainable tourism. The Söderslätt region of Sweden, which
is used as a case study, is a newborn tourist destination with lots
of natural and cultural characteristics. It is also one of the most
agriculture intensive areas in Sweden where a potential for rural
entrepreneurship development can be identified. However, the entrepreneurial
culture and climate was poor in the region. This is due to the social
pressure that is characteristic for this rural community. This paper
shows the results of a SWOT analysis of Söderslätt tourism entrepreneurship
development, which gives an overview of their current entrepreneurial
situation. The case of a family-based enterprise, “Healthy Pig Farm”
is presented as an example of a successful, innovative entrepreneur
in farm tourism. Moreover, based on the findings and analyses, several
recommendations are proposed to overcome obstacles for sustainable
entrepreneurship development in rural tourist areas.
